Looking for a way to introduce Aretha Franklin to a mainstream audience, Jerry Wexler – who signed the Queen of Soul to Atlantic Records and produced her classic albums – booked the singer for three nights at San Francisco’s Fillmore West in March 1971. ►

Despite the floundering economy, it’s still a busy Christmas for new music. Some of these will cheer you up, and others, well, won’t. So without further introduction, and with emphasis on “exclusive” versions, let’s plunge into some of 2008’s holiday releases. ►

The Queen of Soul garners plenty of R-E-S-P-E-C-T as a musician. But what discs of hers draw serious respect from record collectors? Find out which one of Aretha Franklin’s records is worth $500 in near-mint condition, according to Goldmine’s List of Aretha’s Top 20 Singles and Albums. ►